Re: Picture of a 55 or 56 with a manual?

Posted by HH56 On 2022/5/16 10:09:16

Photos of a true factory manual seem to be somewhat scarce but the interior steering column and lever looked the same as the Ultramatic models and worked the same as any other H shift pattern. All the mechanical differences were on the inside of the column and in the engine compt.

On manuals, the Ultramatic shift quadrant indicator plate in the dash was replaced by a dark plastic insert which appeared as just a blank spot. I believe but not 100 % sure 55 used the same or at least a very similar in appearance piece as was later used in the 56 models with electric shift. On the 56 pieces it is just a dark piece of plastic but if you look carefully the word BRAKE is very faintly visible if looking straight on and the ambient light is just right. If the optional emergency brake indicator kit was installed, as soon as the emergency brake handle is pulled out far enough to latch a switch closes to light a bulb and the plate brightly illuminates in red. The word BRAKE is very visible to indicate the emergency brake is on.

On the pedals, looking at the parts manual the clutch pedal appears the same as the 51-4 models with the narrow more vertical pad. The brake pedal appearance is kind of a question. Power brakes, I believe, had the same pedal pad, lower positioning, and appearance as was used on any other models with power brakes. The manual brake pedal looks to have had the same higher pedal but with a wider more horizontal appearing pad than the 51-4 cars and was more in line with the 55 power brake pedal size.